If you have ever been diagnosed with malignant hypertension, you probably want to know about the various options for treating the condition. While emergency treatment is usually successful, long-term effects of malignant hypertension are still uncertain. To prevent future episodes or delayed organ damage, it’s important to maintain proper blood pressure control and avoid the use of tobacco products. Your healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate treatment options for you. In addition to taking medications, you can follow the advice of your healthcare provider to prevent and delay the symptoms of malignant hypertension.
One option for reducing blood pressure is nitroprusside. This is typically given as an IV. Eventually, labetolol or nicardipine can be used to lower blood pressure. The latter option may be preferable if a lower risk of side effects is desired. Other treatments may include verapamil, diltiazem, or phentolamine. If a patient has a phaeochromocytoma crisis, the choice of drugs is diltiazem, verapamil, or phentolamine. Some medications are available parenterally, such as enalapril. Others, such as hydralazine, are reserved for use in pregnancy.
Acute or persistently high blood pressure is a medical emergency. It can damage organs and cause the patient to experience a range of symptoms, including vision loss, and even the failure of organs. Although these effects are usually mild, malignant hypertension can lead to organ damage, including heart failure and kidney failure. A physician should seek immediate treatment if these symptoms arise. The treatment for malignant hypertension will depend on the severity of the condition.
